Unit 12 – Sports & Entertainment Careers
Student Notes
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Unit 12 Objectives
Identify the four primary career segments available in the sports industry.
Identify career opportunities specific to entertainment.
Discuss the future of the SEM job market.
Discuss the preparation required for a career in SEM.
Explain why a cover letter and resume are important.
Lesson 12.1
Careers in Sports
Industry Employment Size & Scope
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The
The inevitable incorporation of new growth areas such as e-commerce and new technologies point to a
broader field with multiple new career opportunities
Four Primary Segments of Sports Careers
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Corporate Sports Marketing
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Recreation/Fitness Sports Marketing Careers
Sports Operations (Management) Careers
Sports Operations
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Potential Career Paths could Include
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Coach
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Video Coordinator
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General Manager
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Director of Operations
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Travel Coordinator
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Suite Ticket Manager
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Director of Event and Sponsorship Marketing
Sports Business Careers
Explanation
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Potential Career Paths could Include
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Sponsorship Sales
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Communications
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Finance and Accounting
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Graphic Design
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Broadcast and Journalism
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Customer Service
Recreation & Fitness Sports Business Careers
Explanation
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Because of the broad range of industry segments covered, recreation and fitness careers offer plenty of
opportunities.
Potential Career Paths could Include
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Parks & Recreation Managers
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Corporate Fitness Director
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Physical Therapist
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Wellness Coordinator
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Park Planner
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Finance/Accounting
Additional Sports Related Career Fields
Sports Agencies & Professional Services
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Advertising
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Event Management and Marketing
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Sports Agents
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Manage facilities such as:
Facility Management
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Stadiums
Golf Courses
Sports Associations
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International Olympic Committee (IOC)
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United States Youth Soccer Association (USYSA)
Sporting Goods
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Nike, Adidas, Reebok
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Rawlings, Wilson
Lesson 12.2
Careers in Entertainment
Segments of Entertainment Industry Careers
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Gaming
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Acting
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Theme Parks
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Writing
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Theme Parks
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Writing
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Sales
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Financial Management
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Negotiations
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General Maintenance
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Preparing for SEM Careers
Specific Job Functions in the Entertainment Industry
Lesson 12.3
Preparing for SEM Careers
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High Demand
Securing a job in the competitive field of sports & entertainment marketing is challenging because of
extremely high demand
Six Ways to Prepare for a SEM Career
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Skills Assessment
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Self Preparation
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Gaining Experience
Valuable Employment Tools
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Cover Letters
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Professional References
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Have Documents Available Electronically
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Career Development
Refers to the process of gaining the skills and knowledge necessary for, in the short term, beginning a
career in a desired field and, in the long term, creating opportunities for career development.
Career Development Tasks
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Talking with industry professionals to learn more about the business
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Volunteering, participating in an internship opportunity
The Interview Process
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Learn as much as possible about the company and the products and/or services they provide prior to
the interview
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The interviewee must understand what the employer is looking for in prospective employees and tailor
their skill sets to fit those needs
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After the interview, the interviewee should send the interviewer a note thanking them for the
opportunity and for their time
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Lesson 12.5
The SEM Job Market
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Rapid Growth
Although the competition for careers in sports and entertainment business is fierce, the field has
experienced and will continue to experience rapid growth.
Making oneself more marketable as an individual becomes increasingly important
Gain Experience
Have a desire to learn
Strong References
Job seekers in sports and entertainment must perform well when given the opportunity to gain the
confidence of employers
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Importance of Networking
It is often said that “it isn’t what you know but rather who you know.” That couldn’t be more accurate
when it comes to the business of sports and entertainment and the employment process.
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Expectations
Careers in the sports and entertainment industry are in extremely high demand. Because of that
demand, employers are in a position to offer lower salaries than similar positions in other industries.
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Job seekers must recognize the level of commitment required by professionals in the sports and
entertainment industry. Most jobs require long hours on a pretty consistent basis.
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According to sportscareers.com, the average sports worker will change jobs 8 times, and make 3 career
changes, contributing to an annual industry turnover rate nearing 65%
REALISTIC Expectations
Just because someone works for the Dallas Cowboys does not necessarily mean they will be watching
games every Sunday from a luxury suite. Working for Warner Brothers Studios does not mean an
employee will be hanging out with Cameron Diaz or George Clooney on weekends.
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Expectations
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Although sports and entertainment professionals often make less money and work longer hours than a
similar position outside of the industry, one thing remains constant: most sports and entertainment
industry professionals enjoy going to work every day.
Students interested in a SEM career should utilize the resources available to them
Industry books, magazines, periodicals and trade journals
Guidance Counselors
Additional Sources for Job Leads Include
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Cooperative Educational Experiences
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Family and Friends
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Internships
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Newspaper & Periodical Ads
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Other School Personnel (teachers)
Sports & Entertainment Careers
Sources
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Sports Career Consulting, LLC
Sportscareers.com